Alma SpaDeep radiofrequency – facial firming and body contouring
Alma Beauty SpaDeep is a radiofrequency system in use at our clinic in Wrocław, ul. Barlickiego 31/1U. Radiofrequency heats the dermis and subcutaneous tissue to a temperature at which collagen fibres contract and fibroblasts begin to produce new collagen. The skin becomes denser and firmer, and the contour of the face and body more defined.
The treatment is non-invasive: it does not break the continuity of the epidermis, requires no anaesthesia and does not interrupt daily activities. Patients can return to work on leaving the clinic.
How radiofrequency works
The device operates with a UniPolar wave at a frequency of 40.68 MHz. The energy is not delivered at a single point but distributed through the volume of the tissue, which produces even heating without overheating the skin surface. The manufacturer uses depth control at four levels in this technology, so that the same device can work superficially on the delicate skin of the eyelids and deeply in the subcutaneous tissue of the thighs.
Three processes take place in the skin simultaneously:
- Immediate contraction of collagen fibres under the influence of temperature — hence the effect visible straight after the first treatment.
- Stimulation of fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin — an effect that builds over the following weeks.
- Improved microcirculation and drainage in the heated tissue — relevant in cellulite and swelling.
Skin temperature is monitored throughout the treatment. The aim is not maximum heating but keeping the tissue within a narrow therapeutic range for an appropriate length of time. A treatment carried out too quickly produces no effect; one carried out too aggressively risks a burn — which is why what matters is not the power of the device but the way the handpiece is used.
Two handpieces, two ranges of application
| Handpiece | Treatment area | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| UniFace | Face, periorbital area, forehead, cheeks, chin, jawline, neck, décolletage | Firming of the skin, a more defined facial contour, smoothing of fine wrinkles |
| UniBody | Abdomen, flanks, buttocks, thighs, saddlebags, upper arms, knees, calves | Firming of the skin, contouring of the body, improvement in the appearance of cellulite |
| Pixel RF | Face, neck, décolletage, scars and stretch marks on the body | Fractional skin renewal — described on a separate page |
This page concerns the non-invasive treatments performed with the UniFace and UniBody handpieces. The Pixel RF micro-plasma handpiece, which works ablatively and requires several days of healing, is described separately.
Indications — face, neck and décolletage
- Loss of firmness of the facial skin, with emerging sagging of the cheeks and blurring of the jawline.
- An indistinct facial contour and excess tissue in the submental area.
- Fine wrinkles on the forehead, cheeks and around the eyes.
- Lax skin of the neck and horizontal neck lines.
- Décolletage skin with photodamage and loss of tone.
- Prevention in patients over the age of 30 in whom the first signs of laxity are only beginning to appear.
Indications — body
- Cellulite on the thighs, buttocks and upper arms.
- Lax abdominal skin, including after pregnancy and after weight loss.
- Skin irregularities after liposuction.
- Localised accumulation of adipose tissue — flanks, saddlebags, inner thighs.
- Lax skin of the upper arms and the area around the knees.
What the treatment will not change
- Radiofrequency is not a weight-loss method. It does not replace a calorie deficit or physical activity and does not affect body weight.
- It does not remove excess skin and does not replace a surgical procedure. Where laxity is considerable the effect will be limited, and we say so before the series begins.
- It does not remove established wrinkles arising from the action of the facial muscles — the appropriate treatment there is botulinum toxin.
- It does not restore lost volume. Hollow cheeks and folds require a filler, not firming.
- The effect is not permanent. The skin continues to age — to maintain the result we recommend maintenance treatments.
The treatment step by step
- Consultation and qualification. Assessment of the condition of the skin, determination of the area and the number of treatments, and a history with regard to contraindications. For body treatments we take circumference measurements.
- Preparation. Cleansing of the skin and application of coupling gel, which ensures even transfer of energy.
- The treatment. The handpiece is moved in a circular motion over the area being heated. The sensation is one of growing, pleasant warmth. Anaesthesia is not required.
- Duration. From 15 minutes for a small area, such as the chin, to about 45 minutes for the thighs.
- Completion. Removal of the gel, a moisturising preparation and sun protection. The skin remains pink and warm for 1–2 hours.
- Return to activity. Immediate. There is no downtime.
How to prepare for the treatment
- Hydration. Please drink more water on the day of the treatment — radiofrequency acts on tissue containing water, and well-hydrated skin responds better.
- No fresh tan in the treatment area.
- Clean skin, free of lotions, oils and self-tanning products.
- No metal jewellery in the treatment area — please remove it before the treatment.
- A light meal about 2 hours beforehand.
- Please report any implants, cardiac pacemaker, pregnancy and medicines being taken.
The treatment series and results over time
| Area | Number of treatments | Frequency | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face, firming and contour | 4–6 | every 2–3 weeks | 1 treatment every 3–4 months |
| Neck and décolletage | 4–6 | every 2–3 weeks | 1 treatment every 3–4 months |
| Periorbital area | 4–6 | every 2–3 weeks | 1 treatment every 3 months |
| Body, firming and cellulite | 6–8 | every 1–2 weeks | 1 treatment every 2–3 months |
| Body, contouring | 6–10 | every 1–2 weeks | 1 treatment every 2–3 months |
When the result becomes visible. The first tightening of the skin is felt immediately after the treatment and results from the contraction of existing collagen fibres. This effect partly subsides within a few days. The actual improvement, resulting from the production of new collagen, builds from the fourth week and reaches its maximum around the third month after the series is completed. For this reason comparative photographs are taken not immediately after the last treatment but after 12 weeks.
In body treatments the result depends on lifestyle. Radiofrequency improves the quality and tone of the skin and the appearance of cellulite, but it will not halt an increase in adipose tissue. In patients who maintain a stable body weight and physical activity the result lasts markedly longer.
Aftercare
- Hydration — please drink more water for 2 days after the treatment.
- For 72 hours, no sauna, hot baths or sunbeds.
- SPF 50 on exposed areas, particularly after treatments of the face and décolletage.
- Physical activity without restriction, and after body treatments positively recommended.
- Pink discolouration of the skin lasting 1–2 hours is a normal reaction.
- Make-up may be applied on the same day.
Possible sequelae
The treatment is well tolerated. Expected and transient effects are pink discolouration of the skin, a sensation of warmth and slight tenderness of the area for several hours. Transient swelling occurs rarely. A burn is an exceptional event and results from incorrect performance of the treatment — it is prevented by temperature monitoring and continuous movement of the handpiece.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Cardiac pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, insulin pump.
- Metal implants, joint prostheses and an intrauterine device in the treatment area.
- Malignant disease under treatment.
- Epilepsy.
- Ischaemic heart disease, previous myocardial infarction, uncontrolled arterial hypertension.
- Varicose veins and thrombosis in the treatment area.
- Coagulation disorders and anticoagulant treatment — these require individual assessment.
- Active infection or inflammation of the skin in the treatment area.
- Renal or hepatic failure.
- Uncontrolled diabetes and sensory disturbance in the treatment area.
- Thyroid disease — treatments in the neck area require individual assessment.
- A fresh tan and the use of photosensitising medicines.
This list does not replace a consultation. The decision to proceed is made by the doctor after taking a history.
Price list — radiofrequency for the face, neck and décolletage
| Area | Price |
|---|---|
| Face — lifting and firming | PLN 700 |
| Face and neck — lifting and firming | PLN 900 |
| Face, neck and décolletage | PLN 1200 |
| Periorbital area | PLN 350 |
| Forehead | PLN 400 |
| Neck and décolletage | PLN 600 |
| Neck | PLN 400 |
| Décolletage | PLN 500 |
| Chin and jawline | PLN 500 |
| Chin | PLN 400 |
Price list — radiofrequency for the body
| Area | Price |
|---|---|
| Abdomen or flanks | PLN 700 |
| Abdomen and flanks | PLN 900 |
| Buttocks | PLN 600 |
| Upper arms | PLN 700 |
| Thighs — front or back | PLN 900 |
| Thighs — front and back | PLN 1300 |
| Inner thighs | PLN 600 |
| Saddlebags | PLN 600 |
| Area around the knees | PLN 400 |
| Calves | PLN 500 |
The price applies to a single treatment. Because radiofrequency works in a series, during the consultation we state the expected number of treatments and the total cost. The final amount is stated before the treatment begins. We do not start the procedure without agreeing the price with the patient. The full list is available in our price list.
Frequently asked questions
Is radiofrequency treatment painful?
No. The sensation is one of growing, pleasant warmth, comparable to a hot stone moved over the skin. Anaesthesia is not required. If the warmth becomes unpleasant, please say so — we then reduce the parameters, since maximum temperature is not the aim.
When will I see the result?
The first tightening of the skin is felt immediately after the treatment but partly subsides within a few days. The actual improvement builds from the fourth week and reaches its maximum around the third month after the series is completed. This is not a treatment assessed the next day.
How many treatments are needed?
For the face, usually 4–6 treatments every 2–3 weeks. For the body, 6–10 treatments every 1–2 weeks. The exact number is given during the consultation, after assessment of the skin — together with the total cost of the series.
Does radiofrequency make you slimmer?
It is not a weight-loss method and does not affect body weight. It improves skin tone, the appearance of cellulite and the contour of the body. In patients who maintain a stable body weight the result lasts markedly longer. Where the aim is weight reduction, the treatment will not replace a change in diet.
Can I have the treatment in summer?
Yes. Radiofrequency is not light, so the treatment is available all year round. The condition is the absence of a fresh tan in the treatment area and the use of sun protection after treatments of the face and décolletage.
I have hyaluronic acid fillers. Can I have the treatment?
Please report this during the consultation. Heating of the tissue may affect the rate at which the product is absorbed, so the date of the treatment is set individually, taking into account the date of the last filler injection.
Is the effect permanent?
No. The new collagen formed after a series of treatments undergoes the same changes over time as the patient’s own collagen, and the ageing process continues. To maintain the result we recommend a single maintenance treatment every 3–4 months for the face and every 2–3 months for the body.
Can the treatment be combined with other procedures?
Yes, and we often do so. Radiofrequency combines well with hydrating treatments and with Pixel RF micro-plasma, performed on a separate date. The treatment plan is arranged so that the procedures complement one another.
Who assesses suitability for the treatment at the HappyDERM clinic?
The treatment is preceded by a medical consultation at our clinic in Wrocław, ul. Barlickiego 31/1U. Aesthetic medicine is provided by dr n. med. Małgorzata Micał-Strąk and lek. Dagmara Pawełczyk-Sicińska.
Booking an appointment
Consultations can be booked online, around the clock, or by telephone on 573 290 488 on working days between 10:00 and 18:00. You may also write to wroclaw@happyderm.pl.
HappyDERM Wrocław, ul. Barlickiego 31/1U, 50-313 Wrocław.
Related pages
- Pixel RF — fractional micro-plasma, scars and stretch marks
- Loss of skin firmness (in Polish)
- NIR thermal lifting (in Polish)
- Price list (in Polish)